Magnesium analytical methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6250 words

Magnesium analytical methods - Essay Example Magnesium is an important element in medicine, industry, consumer products and biology.Understanding the analytical methods for interpreting magnesium levels is crucial to chemical analysis across a diverse range of scientific and industrial endeavors. In order to better understand magnesium and its interactions, it is important to examine fundamental of the element that have been previously pioneered. This knowledge sets the stage for application of contemporary techniques to produce new and exciting results in magnesium analysis. The element Magnesium has the chemical symbol Mg, as appears on the periodic table. The atomic number for the element is 12 and the average atomic mass of its isotopes is 24.3050. It is a group IIA element (Group 2) also referred to as the alkali earth metals. The most common naturally occurring isotopes, or those that are stable under standard conditions are the three stable isotopes, 24Mg, 25Mg, and 26Mg, although nineteen radioisotopes that range from 1 9Mg to 40Mg have been isolated; however, these unstable isotopes commonly decay to atoms of sodium or aluminum depending on their weight and composition [2]. Of the stable isotopes 24Mg is the most abundant, accounting for approximately 79% of Earth’s magnesium [5]. The most common oxidation state for magnesium is the state that corresponds with its noble gas valence configuration, Mg2+, a state which is responsible for the majority of compounds formed by magnesium [2]. Compounds may appear with oxidation numbers as small as zero in some cases, however, as magnesium is found in a great diversity of naturally occurring compounds. Magnesium commonly forms chlorides (MgCl2), oxides (MgO), and hydrides (MgH2) [5]. Because of its historical relevance, it is no surprise that magnesium compounds were studied as early as the 1700s, when the physician and chemist Joseph Black, who is sometimes credited with the discovery of magnesium, reported initial research on magnesium compounds. This pioneer work paved the way for the acceptance of magnesium as an element, though it was nearly half a century later when pure magnesium metal was able to be first produced, partially due to the strong binding of magnesium to other elements in compounds [5]. The English chemist Humphry Davy first prepared pure magnesium by developing a system to pass an electric current through molten magnesium oxide (MgO), causing the compound to decompose into its component elements magnesium and oxygen gas as follows: 1.2 Abundance and Common Compounds Magnesium is the eighth most abundant element on the earth, appearing in the earth’s crust, surface minerals, and seawater predominantly. The name magnesium dates back centuries. In fact, due to the large occurrence of magnesium in geological samples, the name was selected in honor of a region in Greece known as Magnesia which contains large supplies of magnesium compounds [5]. The element magnesium forms 2.3 percent by weight, 2.0 perce nt by molar fraction, and 0.3 percent by volume of the earth’s crust. Additionally the element commonly is found in seawater and tap water [1]. Several well known magnesium materials that occur in the earth have been known for centuries. One such material is calcium magnesium carbonate, or dolomite, which has the formula CaMg(CO3)2, which is used as a building material [5]. Another example is magnesium sulfate, or Epsom salts, which have the formula MgSO4. Epsom salts occur naturally and are used in cosmetics and bath products. Magnesium is also estimated to be a common element throughout our solar system, estimated to contain seven hundred parts per million by weight and thirty parts per million by moles magnesium [5]. Magnesium ions have been role to play important biological roles in nucleic acid biochemistry, enzyme activation, and many other biological systems [3]. In recent years increasing emphasis has been places on the

Business forecasting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Business forecasting - Essay Example Budgets do not simply indicate the upcoming period’s expenses and revenues, as competition in the market place increase, companies have recognized the need to accurately predict their future operations’ outcomes and the related resource requirements. Budgeting involves use of forecasting techniques, it is an organization-wide process and is central in strategic planning. Effectiveness of the budgeting process depend on the accuracy of forecasts, reliability, simplicity, and cost effectiveness, this accuracy can be enhanced by use of various techniques, using more than one method of forecasting, and obtaining enough and more accurate data (Rasmussen 2003, p. 113). Where budget forecasts fall far from actual outcomes for the period, it is likely that poor decisions on future projections are made and management may end up lacking trust in budgets made while the whole organization may suffer poor planning. Poor budgeting forecasts results from poor budgeting tools lack of s taff training on forecasting techniques, too little time allocated in making correct projections. Correct budget forecasts makes financial planning and execution of operating activities like staffing, inventory management, marketing plans, and performance easier. Budget forecasting is used in making different types of budgets including purchase of raw materials, inventory levels, adjusting incentive plans and staffing levels. Budget forecasting is central in project planning and costing, financial outlays and staff.

Most Influential Nba Players Essay Example for Free

Most Influential Nba Players Essay He would travel back and forth to school in a town called French Lick, where he excelled at basketball at an early age. Bird was a key component in his high schools basketball team, where he was the leading all-time scorer by the time he graduated in 1974. Larry Bird was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick in the 1978 draft. The Celtics gave Bird a contract worth $3. 25 million over five years. Birds new contract made him the highest paid rookie in the history of team sports at that time. Bird averaged 21. points per game, and averaged 143 steals and 2,955 minutes per season played. He led the Celtics to 3 championships and was also awarded MVP (most valuable player) 3 times. After helping the Dream Team to Olympic glory, Bird announced his retirement from the game of basketball in 1992. Bird ended his career with 21,791 points, 8,974 rebounds, and 5,695 assists; he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1998. Shortly after his announcement, he became an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics. At the end of his career Bird was making $23 million a year (Larry Bird Biography 1,2). Michael Jordan was an influential player in high school and in the NBA in the 1980s-1990s. He was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York. In 1975 Jordan enjoyed playing baseball and was on the little league team, leading them to the Little league World Series. Jordan was an exceptional pitcher at an early age. It wasnt till an older age when he realized what a good basketball player he was. In the Summer of 1984, Jordan made his first appearance at the Olympic Games as a member of the U. S. Olympic basketball team. In late 1984 Jordan joined the Chicago Bulls and led them to six national championships. He led the league in scoring with an average of 31. 5 points per game. Chicago recorded 61 wins, and Jordan then turned in one of the most dominating postseasons in NBA history, averaging 31. 1 points, 6. 4 rebounds, and 8. 4 assists per game. He became the first player since Wilt Chamberlin to score more than 3,000 points in a single season. Jordan was awarded MVP eight times, received NBA Rookie of the year award, and was selected for the All-Star Game. Jordan invested between $10 million and $20 million to become part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats in 2006. He was named the teams Managing Member of Basketball Operations. Bobcats majority owner Robert Johnson sought Jordan for his basketball knowledge and management skills. In 2010, Johnson sold the team to Jordan. The sale made Jordan the primary owner of the Bobcats. Jordan was making $90 million a year at the end of his career (Michael Jordan 1,2). LeBron James has been an influential player in his high school and in the NBA from 2002-2013. LeBron James was born on December 30, 1984 in Akron, Ohio. James also had a tough childhood with his dad leaving him and his mom. He showed a talent for the sport of basketball at an early age and was known as a prodigy in high school. LeBron James attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. As a freshman, James averaged 18. 0 points and 6. 2 rebounds per game, leading his team to a 27-0 record and a Division III state title. He started off his career on the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is now currently on the Miami Heat averaging 29. 7 points, 8. assists and 7. 3 rebounds per game, and he was selected to his sixth consecutive All-Star appearance. James became the first player since Oscar Robertson to have at least 40 points, 15 assists and 13 rebounds in a regular season game. James scored his 20,000th career point on March 13, the youngest player in NBA history to achieve such an accomplishment. LeBron has been awarded the MVP award 4 times and also is the youngest player to win the Rookie of the year award. At the end of this year James will make 60 million (LeBron James Biography 1,2). Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James are some of the most inspirational and energetic players in the NBA. They never lost the thirst to succeed and the preservation to win. They will go down in history as the definition of competition at its best. Through tough times and tragedy, they never gave up and pressed on. The reason for their well-known success has been nothing short of hard work and determination. Their will to win, has motivated many athletes and non-athletes alike to set goals for themselves and to reach them.

A Competitive Analysis Of Kingfisher Airlines Tourism Essay

A Competitive Analysis Of Kingfisher Airlines Tourism Essay To research and analyze how kingfisher airlines has retained one of the top position in a highly competitive market like India. To find out what makes them special from all other airlines in India. To find out how kingfisher airlines compete with leading airlines like Air Indian and Jet. To find out what customer tactics they used to bring more customers to the organization. Content summary To approach by doing SWOT and PEST analysis of the company by looking through the magazines and websites available on company. In order to analyze the companys strategy I will be doing 7p analysis. In order to make my objectives a true I will be carrying out an interview with fathers friend who is working in kingfisher airlines. I will be doing a case study on how kingfisher airline is different from and India Airlines. I will be also proposing some new strategies which can help the organization to improve their performance more Table of contents Page Table of Content 34 Objective 2 Content summary 2 Introduction 3 About the Company 5 History 5 Achievements 6 Marketing strategy 7 PESTEL Analysis 8 Political 8 Economical 8 Social 8 Technological 8 Environmental 9 Local 9 7 Ps Analysis 9 Product 9 Promotions 10 Price 10 People 10 Place 10 Physical evidence 11 Process 11 SWOT Analysis 11 Strengths 11 Weakness 12 Opportunities 12 Threats 12 Comparison Kingfisher VS Indian Airlines 1213 Suggestion and recommendation 14 Appendix 14 Questionnaire References 15 Introduction Kingfisher Airlines Limited is a major  Indian  airline. Kingfisher operates more than 400 flights a day and has a network of 72 destinations, with regional and long-haul international services. Kingfisher Airlines, through one of its holding companies  United Breweries Group, has a 50 percent stake in  low-cost carrier  Kingfisher Red, formerly known as Air Deccan. Kingfisher Airlines is one of six airlines in the world to have a five-star rating from  Skytrax, along with  Asian Airlines,  Malaysia Airlines,  Qatar Airways,  Singapore Airlines  and  Cathay Pacific Airways. In May 2009, Kingfisher Airlines carried more than a million passengers, giving it the highest market share among airlines in India. Kingfisher has its registered office in the  UB Tower  in  Bangalore  and its head office in the Kingfisher House in  Mumbai. History The airline started operations on 9 May 2005, following the  dry lease  of four brand new  Airbus A320-200  aircraft. Its first flight was from Mumbai  to  Delhi. At the launch of the airline, Dr. Mallya said that he is committed to achieving our ambition of making Kingfisher Airlines Indias largest private airline both in capacity and market share by 2010. The airline ushered in a new era of luxury in Indias domestic aviation sector with its brand new aircraft with stylish red interiors, and smartly dressed crew and ground staff. Kingfisher was the first Indian airline to have  in-flight entertainment  (IFE) systems on every seat even on domestic flights. All passengers were given a welcome kit consisting goodies such as a pen, facial tissue and headphones to use with the IFE system. Initially, passengers were able to watch only recorded TV programming on the IFE system, but later an alliance was formed with  Dish TV  to provide live TV in-flight. And in a marked departure from tradition, Kingfisher Airlines decided to have an on-screen  safety demonstration  using the IFE system. On 14 July 2008, Kingfisher unveiled its first ever  Wide-body aircraft, a  Airbus A330-200  at the 46th  Farnborough Air show  held in July 2008. Kingfishers first Airbus A330-200 was widely billed as the best A330-200 ever built by  Airbus. On 3 September 2008, Kingfisher started its international operations by connecting  Bangalore  with  London. Achievements Kingfisher Airlines has received three global awards at the SKYTRAX World Airline Awards   Named Best Airline In India / Central Asia; Best Cabin Crew Central Asia Kingfisher RED named Best Low Cost Airline in India / Central Asia NDTV Profit Business Leadership Award for Aviation   awarded to Kingfisher Airlines by NDTV twice in two years Indias only 5 Star airline, rated by Skytrax  and  6th airline in the world   to be certified as  5 star airline by Skytrax Ranked amongst Indias Top Service Brands of 2008 ranking by Pitch  magazine Voted as  Indias Favourite Airline in a survey conducted by an independent research firm with 46% votes compared to others Rated as Asia Pacifics Top Airline Brand in a survey conducted by TNS on Asia Pacifics Top 1,000 Brands for 2008 Brand Leadership Award in the service and hospitality segment against several acclaimed hotels, leading banks and other airlines Economic Times Avaya Award 2006 for Excellence in  Customer Responsiveness award is presented by the highly acclaimed Business Daily, Economic Times Indias No. 1 Airline in customer satisfaction Business World Rated amongst Indias most respected companies Business World Rated amongst Indias 25 Innovative Companies in a  survey conducted by Plan man Media in 2006 The Best Airline and Indias Favourite  Carrier in a Survey conducted by The Times of India Service Excellence 2005-2006 for a New Airline   by Skytrax, a UK based specialist global air transport advisor Ranked Third in the survey on Indias Most Successful Brand launch of 2005 Under the Brand Derby Survey conducted by Indias leading business daily Business Standard Busiest Brands of 2005 ranked amongst the Top Ten busiest brands of 2005  and 2006 across product categories, in the survey conducted by agency faqs and The Brand Reporter Best New Airline of the Year Award for 2005   Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) Award in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East region Marketing strategies Kingfisher Airlines has a clearly defined target audience- SEC A, SEC B+ (socio-economic class) in the age group of 25-45 years of age. Kingfisher Airlines offers brand new aircraft, designer interiors, gourmet cuisine and in flight-entertainment (there are five channels of FUN TV and 10 channels of Kingfisher Radio, which are personalized). Communicate with guests at multiple touch points. They use all media of communication television, print, radio, outdoor, malls, multiplexes, clubs, pubs, in-flight etc. The guests are constantly informed of their new offers.   They offer tickets to theatre screenings, fashion shows, sports screenings etc to their frequent travellers (club members). Their Partners Program has been very successful. They have tied up with the best of brands across industries. Tata Tetley, Pepsi, Microsoft, Inox, Kenzo , IFB, Taj, Park Hotels and Oxford book stores have been some of leading partners. PESTEL Analysis Political Foreign airlines are not allowed to buy a stake in domestic airlines. International route regulations Closing down of domestic airports Open sky policy Economical Contribution to the Indian economy Rising cost of fuel Investment in the sector of aviation The growth of the middle income group family affects the aviation sector. Shortage of the infrastructure capacity Social Development of cities leads to better services and airports Employment opportunities Safety regulations The status symbol attached to a plane travel. Technological The growth of e-commerce and e-ticketing Satellite based navigation system Modernisation and privatisation of the airports Developing green filed airports with private sector for example in Bangalore the airport corporation limited. Environmental The increase in global warming The sudden and the unexpected behaviour of the atmosphere and the dependency on whether Shortage of the infrastructural capacity Tourism saturation Legal Bilateral treaties Airlines acquisitions and the leasing cost In the United States, low-cost airlines often operated from small airports that charge lower fees and that did not suffer from the congestion at large airports In India, however, government policy did not allow the creation of airports closer than 150KM from each other, and the old airports at Bangalore and Hyderabad were closed down when the new one started. 7 Ps Product Fleet size Aircrafts International foray Promotions Advertisements Magazines and newspaper ads Exposure at non-corporate events Participation at international airs hows Endorsing celebrities like Katrina Kaif and Deepika padukone Price Dynamic pricing model multiple fare levels Uniform rules No hidden restrictions Pricing models eight different levels Discounts provided from time to time People Backbone of the brand Extensive trainings Hospitality industry and consider their customer as guest Interpersonal skills, aptitude, and service knowledge Place Online booking (official site) Online booking Yatro.com, make my trip.com, ezeego1.com Credit cards and debit cards payment SMS/call Outlets in every major city and at every airport across the country Physical evidence Personal valets Exclusive lounge space Hi! Blitz Gourmet cuisine World class cabin crew Kingfisher radio Process Booking the ticket online booking or telephone booking or from any of the kingfisher outlets and private agencies. SWOT Analysis Strength First airline with full new fleet of aircraft Quality hospitality provided to customers. Route rationalization. Already having training academy. Weaknesses Service delivery to metros and other big cities Yet not in a high profit. High ticket pricing Opportunities Under penetrated domestic market Chances International market Untapped air cargo market Expanding tourism industry Threats Existing operators Infrastructure issue Fuel price hike Economic slowdown Kingfisher VS Indian Airlines Areas Indian airlines Kingfisher Airlines Reservation Ticket can be booked by ringing or visiting the office. As soon as waiting list ticket get confirmed they will call the customers on the given contact number Passengers can make the booking first and purchase the ticket later Ticket can be cancelled over phone or through fax 24hr before the journey By the help of user friendly websites Kingfisher airline office Authorized agents Payment can be made by the debit card, credit card, payment at kingfisher airlines office, credit note Kingfisher airline provides the home delivery of tickets and maintains direct relation with the customers. Fares Special fares offered for army forces, war disabled officers, war widows, blind persons, cancer patients, person suffering from 80% and above locomotive disability. Concessional fare to senior citizens, students etc. Fare apply only for carriage from airport at the point of origin to the airport at the point of destination It has 30 to 40 % lower ticket coast compared to other carrier operating in the country Meals Indicate the personal meal preference at the time of booking to ensure correct meal on board the flight Special meals: provided to passengers Indian vegetarian, western vegetarian, Hindu non- vegetarian, children food items etc. On board Choose from the readymade food Business class and economic class Order what you like freshly made on board Equality in class , no differentiation Low cost On ground More waiting time Satisfactory handling of delays Less waiting time Efficient handling of delays Suggestions and recommendation Reduce labour cost Simplify the flight operations Offer more transparent pricing Get smart on fuel The process of acquiring spice jet if complete would make kingfisher the larget player in the aviation industry Different modes of pricing should be taken care of Needs to change brand perceptions Gain optional efficiencies through alliances as with Jet Airways Fleet size expansion Partnering with Jet Airways and some depending brands. Appendix As part of the report preparation I visited my dads friend who is working in kingfisher and I had an interview with him. I went through many magazines who wrote articles about kingfishers and Dr. Mallyas success. I have talked with some of my friends who got chance to fly in kingfisher. They explained to me the facilities they got and their rating to the flight travel. Questionnaire As a supplier, what major trends have you witnessed in the manner consumers in India buy travel especially air ticket? How would you describe your target audience? How do you assess the current positioning of Kingfisher Airlines? Companies are going about brand activation at multiple consumer touch-points. How are you balancing your offline and online marketing initiatives? How tough is it in the current environment to build connect with consumers? How successful has been your Partners Program, a forum where like-minded brands to Kingfisher Airlines can come on the same platform and achieve respective marketing objectives?

Family Practice :: Residency Admissions Essays

Family Practice    I was born in Tamil Nadu, a southeastern state in India. I did my schooling in Madras, a large metropolitan city in India. I was interested in science courses especially in Zoology. This interest, combined with my desire to serve the humanity, I set my career goal to become a physician. I then joined Stanley Medical College, which is one of the finest in medical schools in India.    After graduation, I worked for a year with an internist, where I dealt with medical emergencies and did inpatient management. I decided to pursue my postgraduate studies to further broaden my knowledge in July 1993. I chose Obstetrics and Gynecology as my specialty and received my diploma in Ob Gyn in June '95. I participated in the continuing medical education programs and also did bed side teaching for the medical students and received excellent feedback from my preceptors. Following my post graduation, I worked for two years with hands on experience with a variety of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Medical and Surgical cases and attended a free weekly clinic providing primary care to the rural people.    I moved to California in July 1997. I have successfully completed my step one and step two exams in June and March 1998 respectively. In order to gain some insight into the medical practices in the United States, I am volunteering as a research assistant at the Veteran's Affairs Hospital in Palo Alto, an affiliate of the Stanford University School of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, where I am involved with the evaluation of ' The Diagnosis and Staging of Lung Cancer using Positron Emission Tomography', the results of this work will be published in a few months. At the Veteran's Hospital, I also attend the Pulmonary Grand Rounds, Pulmonary Clinics and lectures with the Stanford Residents in the ICU and the GMC. I also volunteer in other primary care facilities. Research and work has given me the opportunity to interact with people and to acclimatize to the US culture.    My personal interest includes Indian classical music and travel. I play the Veena, a string instrument used widely in the Indian Classical Music; which has amazed the western artists for its wide range of musical tones.    Family Practice deals with all the aspects of medicine and focuses on preventive care.

What Is Constructivism Essay -- Teaching Learning Learn Teacher Essays

What Is Constructivism Watching a young child grow from infancy to toddler hood, we marvel at the amount of learning that has allowed her to understand her expanding environment. Those early years provide the basis for language, physical dexterity, social understanding, and emotional development that she will use for the rest of her life. All of this knowledge is acquired before she even sets foot in school! This child has taught herself by gathering information and experiencing the world around her. This is an example of constructivism. Constructivism emphasizes the importance of the knowledge, beliefs, and skills an individual brings to the experience of learning. It recognizes the construction of new understanding as a combination of prior learning, new information, and readiness to learn. Individuals make choices about what new ideas to accept and how to fit then into their established views of the world (Brooks & Brooks, 1995). If you are a parent or plan to be a parent, Do you want your child to sit in a desk all day while the teacher lectures them on information that they need to know for life or would you rather have your child learn constructively? Constructivism has been labeled as the philosophy of learning that proposes learners need to build their own understanding of new ideas (Constructivism and the Five E?s,2001). Learning something new, or attempting to understand something familiar in greater depth, is not a linear process. The purpose of this research paper is to explain the theoretical foundations of the constructivist approach to teaching and learning, and to provide concrete examples to show the effectiveness of the constructivist approach with respect to student learning. The latest ... ...Received September 13, 2002 from Internet. http://www.artsined.com/teachingarts/Pedag/Constructivist.html. Jerome Bruner. (2002). Received September 13, 2002 from Internet. http://oaks.nvg.org/wm1ra2.html. Brooks, J.G. &Brooks, M.G. (1995). Constructing Knowledge in the Classroom. Retrieved September 13, 2002 for Internet. http://www.sedl.org/scimath/compass/v01n03/1.html. Chen, Irene. Cognitive Constructivist Theories. Received September 13, 2002 from Internet http://pdts.uh.edu/~ichen/ebook/ET-IT/cognitiv.htm. Chen, Irene. Social Constructivist Theories. Received September 13, 2002 from Internet. http://pdts.uh.edu/~ichen/ebook/ET-IT/social.htm. Martin, K. (2000). Alternative Modes of Teaching and Learning. Received September 13, 2002 from Internet. http://www.csd.uwa.edu.au/atmodes/to_delivery/discovery_learing.html. What Is Constructivism Essay -- Teaching Learning Learn Teacher Essays What Is Constructivism Watching a young child grow from infancy to toddler hood, we marvel at the amount of learning that has allowed her to understand her expanding environment. Those early years provide the basis for language, physical dexterity, social understanding, and emotional development that she will use for the rest of her life. All of this knowledge is acquired before she even sets foot in school! This child has taught herself by gathering information and experiencing the world around her. This is an example of constructivism. Constructivism emphasizes the importance of the knowledge, beliefs, and skills an individual brings to the experience of learning. It recognizes the construction of new understanding as a combination of prior learning, new information, and readiness to learn. Individuals make choices about what new ideas to accept and how to fit then into their established views of the world (Brooks & Brooks, 1995). If you are a parent or plan to be a parent, Do you want your child to sit in a desk all day while the teacher lectures them on information that they need to know for life or would you rather have your child learn constructively? Constructivism has been labeled as the philosophy of learning that proposes learners need to build their own understanding of new ideas (Constructivism and the Five E?s,2001). Learning something new, or attempting to understand something familiar in greater depth, is not a linear process. The purpose of this research paper is to explain the theoretical foundations of the constructivist approach to teaching and learning, and to provide concrete examples to show the effectiveness of the constructivist approach with respect to student learning. The latest ... ...Received September 13, 2002 from Internet. http://www.artsined.com/teachingarts/Pedag/Constructivist.html. Jerome Bruner. (2002). Received September 13, 2002 from Internet. http://oaks.nvg.org/wm1ra2.html. Brooks, J.G. &Brooks, M.G. (1995). Constructing Knowledge in the Classroom. Retrieved September 13, 2002 for Internet. http://www.sedl.org/scimath/compass/v01n03/1.html. Chen, Irene. Cognitive Constructivist Theories. Received September 13, 2002 from Internet http://pdts.uh.edu/~ichen/ebook/ET-IT/cognitiv.htm. Chen, Irene. Social Constructivist Theories. Received September 13, 2002 from Internet. http://pdts.uh.edu/~ichen/ebook/ET-IT/social.htm. Martin, K. (2000). Alternative Modes of Teaching and Learning. Received September 13, 2002 from Internet. http://www.csd.uwa.edu.au/atmodes/to_delivery/discovery_learing.html.

Criminology Essay Essay

Within the past decade, a new school of criminology has come into being. I use the term â€Å"school† here in its somewhat figurative sense, to refer to a group of people held together by certain shared beliefs, teachings, and opinions; that is, I use it in the same sense as it was used of the Italian â€Å"positivist†school of criminology of a century ago. Within its brief life, this new school has been referred to in a variety of ways. It has been said to propound a â€Å"new† criminology; a â€Å"radical† criminology; and a â€Å"critical† criminology. For a variety of reasons, however, none of these terms seems to me to be particularly satisfactory. For one thing, there is nothing very new about the ideas which this school espouses; nor do they have a monopoly on radical or critical views-always assuming, of course, that the terms â€Å"radical† and â€Å"critical† have any meaning left at all, in political and social discourse. For another thing, claims to novelty, in criminology as elsewhere, are bound by nature to be pretty transient things: somebody, someday, is going to come along with a newer criminology, a still newer criminology, a newest criminology, and so on.’ But the basic objection to all three terms is that they do little to clarify the character of the criminological views of the school in question: for the most part, the members of that school are (or at least claim to be) marxists. The term â€Å"marxist†is itself not free from ambiguity, of course. Among those who are called (or call themselves) by that name, there are many theoretical and doctrinal differences: there are also crypto-marxists, neo-marxists, and (for all I know) quasimarxists, as well as Maoists, Leninists, Trotskyites, Stalinists and so on. All too often, there is only the most tenuous relation between the views of these groups and the political and social theories of Marx himself; and as is well known those theories them1 This has already happened. Professor James Q. Wilson, in his introduction to Thomas Reppetto’s (1974) book Residential Crime writes that â€Å"there is slowly arising a ‘new criminology’ to supplant traditional criminology.† Wilson tells us that this new criminology â€Å"considers crime from the point of view of the victim, treats particularkinds of offenses (e.g. residential burglaries,stranger-to-stranger assaults), and considers explicitly the effectiveness of alternative preventive strategies.† He adds that Reppetto’s book â€Å"is a good example of the new criminology.† In fact, about all that Reppetto’s book shares with Taylor, Walton, and Young’s book The New Criminology is that both books are printed on paper. This content downloaded from 149.171.67.164 on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 06:31:19 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions A Critique Marxist of Criminology selves underwent several changes during and after Marx’s life. Nonetheless, it seems appropriateto refer to the school of criminology discussed in this paper as marxist-or as marxisant,to use Douglas Hay’s felicitous term (Hay 1975a, p. 61). Several of the leading members of this school now call themselves marxists, though they did not all do so originally; and many of the main theories and concepts which they employ in their attempts to explain crime and societal reaction to crime are undoubtedly ones which are commonly imputed to Marx. (In particular,they place great emphasis on the social relations of production, and employ a concept of â€Å"class†based on those relations.) But given the considerable doubt which still surroundsat least some of the writings of Marx and Engels (see, e.g., Hirst 1975; Singer 1979), and some reservations (to be discussed further below) about the relations between those writings and the criminological writings with which I shall be concerned, it seems best not to assume a priori that those relations are necessarily very close; hence I shall write the word â€Å"marxist† with a small vm throughout, except where reference is to Marx himself. It is also important to note that I am not here concerned to question the cogency, coherence, or correctness of marxist social theories in general.2 Though undoubtedly important, such a task is far beyond the scope of this paper. My concern is rather with the application of those theories to criminological problems, including problems about the origins, nature, and enforcement of the criminal law. The school of criminology whose works I shall review may be marxist;but it is also a school of criminology, though not all of those whom I shall discuss describe themselves professionally as criminologists. Why are certain acts defined as criminal? Why nonetheless do certain people commit those acts? What is done to those people, and why? It is with questions of that kind that we (and the marxist school of criminology) are concerned. 2 Or in particular, e.g., the â€Å"theory of surplus value,† according to which capitalistsexploit labor by extracting surplus value from their work in the form of profits-a theory first expounded by Marx in 1865 (Marx and Engels 1968). I cannot see any conditions under which this â€Å"theory† might turn out to be false; in any case, it appears to entail little by way of predictions about crime. This content downloaded from 149.171.67.164 on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 06:31:19 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions The purpose of this essay, then, is to analyze the criminological theories and claims of a group of writers, most of whom are marxistsor approach the study of crime from a marxist perspective. I begin by describing the intellectual origins of the new marxist school. I describe the central tenets which most members of this group appearto hold. I then describe some empiricalwork done by these criminologists, and related work done by historians, sociologists and other scholars, which has many affinities with marxist criminology. I offer a brief critique of some of the views of this school, and conclude with a provisional assessmentof the impact which marxist criminology has had to date. A caveat is in order at the outset. I think it is illuminating to compare the contemporary marxist school of criminology with the Scuola Positiva which revolutionized criminology a century ago. But the analogy may be unfair and misleadingif it is pressed too far. Contemporary marxist criminologists do not refer to themselves as a â€Å"school,† so far as I know; and they are by no means as self-consciously united in opinion as were Lombroso, Ferri, and Garofalo.3 On the contrary, they differ among themselves on a number of points, and they may well regard some of those differences as important. I shall try to document some of this diversity of opinion, even though it is mainly with areas of agreement that I shall be concerned; and wherever possible I shall cite chapter and verse from specific writers for specific views. Those views should not necessarily be imputed to anyone else. I. Origins of the Marxist School of Criminology In order fully to appreciate a body of social or philosophical theory, it is often helpful to begin by considering its intellectual history and the circumstances in which it arose. This is clearly so in the case of recent marxist criminology. Thus, if one were to choose a single book by which to date the birth of the contemporary marxist school, that book would undoubtedly be The New Criminology, by Ian Taylor, Paul Walton, and Jock Young, 3 There were, of course, important differences of opinion between Lombroso, Ferri, and Garofalo. For a discussionsee Mannheim (1960), especially pp. 23-29. This content downloaded from 149.171.67.164 on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 06:31:19 AM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions